Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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704. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage, and local authorities to improve consistency in dog control enforcement; and if he will report on planned legislative updates in this area. [65391/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Policy and legislative responsibility for dog control transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025 and for dog breeding establishments (DBE) on 1 August 2025. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters.

In July 2024, funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services in 2025. The funding is intended for the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens but does not necessarily provide the full cost of employment. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control. To date, funds have been provided to 30 local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden positions in 2025. I am aware that recruitment of additional dog wardens has been undertaken in several local authorities, however, the final number of appointments is not yet available. I can also confirm that this funding will continue in 2026.

A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.